The German government has initiated an investigation into potential changes in U.S. immigration policy after its citizens were denied entry to the United States and detained at border points. Following three separate incidents involving German nationals with legal documentation, a spokesperson from the German Embassy in Washington confirmed that Berlin is maintaining close communication with U.S. officials regarding these cases.
Dr. Martin Jungius of the embassy noted that the relevant consulates are aware of the situation, liaising with U.S. authorities and affected families. However, he expressed understanding that privacy laws prevent disclosing further details. Meanwhile, Germany’s Foreign Ministry is assessing whether the Trump administration has altered its stance toward German visitors, according to spokesman Sebastian Fischer.
Fischer indicated that officials in Berlin are reaching out to other European nations to gather insight on whether their citizens have faced similar difficulties at U.S. immigration points. The incidents under scrutiny include two tourists and a permanent resident, each of whom was detained while attempting to enter the U.S. in the last couple of months.
One notable case involves Fabian Schmidt, a lawful U.S. resident, who was detained upon his arrival in Boston. His mother described how he was subjected to a strip-search and a cold shower, ultimately fainting and requiring hospitalisation. In another case, Jessica Brösche, a tattoo artist visiting under the ESTA Visa Waiver Program, was detained while driving from Mexico to California and held for six weeks before being released.
Furthermore, Lucas Sielaff encountered similar challenges, being detained upon re-entry to the U.S. after a trip to Tijuana. He was arrested, shackled, and treated harshly while in custody. U.S. Customs and Border Protection has not responded to requests for comments concerning these incidents.
The German government is probing U.S. immigration policies after three citizens were arrested at the border. An embassy spokesperson confirmed collaboration with U.S. authorities. One case involves a permanent resident who was detained in Boston, while another concerns a tourist held for weeks. The Foreign Ministry is communicating with other nations about similar occurrences and plans to adjust travel advice based on findings.
The German government is critically examining recent incidents where its citizens were denied U.S. entry and detained, aiming to ascertain if immigration policy shifts under the Trump administration are a factor. With two tourists and a green card holder affected, the investigation highlights a growing concern about the treatment of foreign nationals arriving in the United States. Continuous dialogue with U.S. authorities is underway to confront these troubling realities and assess the potential need for changing travel advisories.
Original Source: www.washingtonexaminer.com
